Dialysis, peritoneal

Dialysis, peritoneal: Technique that uses the patient's own body tissues inside of the belly (abdominal cavity) to act as a filter.

The intestines lie in the abdominal cavity, the space between the abdominal wall and the spine.

A plastic tube called a 'dialysis catheter' is placed through the abdominal wall into the abdominal cavity.

A special fluid is then flushed into the abdominal cavity and washes around the intestines.

The intestinal walls act as a filter between this fluid and the blood stream.

By using different types of solutions, waste products and excess water can be removed from the body through this process